Equatorial Guinea appoint Paulo

Brazilian Gilson Paulo is the new coach of Equatorial Guinea.

Paulo succeeds Frenchman Henri Michel, who resigned last month after denouncing poor conditions of work.

A former director of sports at the Brazil-based Vasco De Gama football academy, Paulo has been tasked with preparing the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations co-host nation for the showpiece.

He will lead the Nzalang Nacional to their pre-tournament friendly against South Africa on Thursday in Bata during the inauguration of the city’s 40,000-capacity stadium where the opening ceremonies of the 28th edition of the continental showpiece will be held.

Equatorial Guinea will begin their campaign against Libya in Group A on January 21, before matches against Senegal and Zambia.

A number of foreign born players have switched allegiance to play for the Nzalang Nacional, which local observers say could present an entirely different squad at the competition.